Tanya Saar

Supervising Practitioner Ivy Davis at the Frederick Pilot Middle School

"Hi!

Changing the direction of my life to go into teaching was not without its challenges.

But, I’ve always taken the reins and embraced the experience. Looking forward to the next adventure."

Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, I have seen that art is more than a chosen elective or a supplement to the general curriculum. It is vital to helping our students grow into well-rounded individuals. Art education paves the way for their full development, inviting an atmosphere where each student is valued and heard.

Art is a powerful medium through which students can explore and express their identities and diverse cultural stories. The classroom is where diversity is celebrated and recognized, pulling together meaningful dialogues while knitting together a community fabric that celebrates each thread of individuality. Through each other, we learn empathy and vulnerability.

In my classes, the students create art using an interdisciplinary approach, linking different fields to deepen their understanding. This multidisciplinary method shows students that what we learn has real-world applications and that the challenges aren't neatly categorized. It's not just academic—it's practical, training students to think critically and adaptively.

Collaboration is key within the classroom. I focus on clear communication and effective

teamwork because these skills will help the students advance academically and professionally. I encourage them to take risks and understand that errors are part of learning. It is not about perfection; it's about growing and improving; it is about the process.

My teaching philosophy focuses on the skills we take away when we leave school—to problem-solve, to work together as a team, to discover the creativity in our personhood, and to recognize that it is okay to get paint on your clothes and have fun